After returning to Anchorage, Iditarod sled dog hit by vehicle and killed

Iditarod officials say a sled dog that competed in this year's race on the team of John Baker was hit and killed by a vehicle after being transported to Anchorage.

The 3-year-old male, Groovey, had been dropped from the race by the former Iditarod champ. The dog was transported to Anchorage in good health Saturday, according to a statement from race marshal Mark Nordman.

"Unfortunately, we learned that later that evening, Groovey got loose at his handler's residence and was reported as missing to animal control," the statement said. "The following day, the body of Groovey was found not far from the intersection of Northern Lights and Bragaw, where he apparently had been hit by a vehicle."